Presented to Chamber members on Thursday, February 17 Event Speakers Eric Moll Superintendent & CEO Mason Health Dave Windom Director of Public HealthMason County Community Services Presentation Slides
The long-term WA Cares Act is delayed and premium collection won’t begin until July 2023. On January 27, Gov. Inslee signed bill 1732 to postpone collection of a new worker payroll tax for now. He says this pause allows the State to get the program right. Updated program information and guidance is available on the WA Cares website. For now, employers should: Stop withholding WA Cares premiums from employee earnings. Reimburse employees for WA Cares premiums within 120 days of Read more…
The Chamber staff and its Board of Trustees convened on January 31 at St. Andrew’s House in Union for a retreat to formalize board appointments and set priorities for the year. The cozy space and hospitality at the venue was ideal for the twenty Chamber leaders comprised of past and present Board members and staff. The group spend the day reflecting on prior year results and focusing upon the year ahead. According to a survey of our membership, overall member Read more…
Read full story from PBS here. Related statement from OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (1/13/22) Remarks by President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court’s Decision OSHA’s Nationwide Vaccine Mandate on Hold (originally published 11/17/21) Employers with more than 100 nationwide workers were bracing for the impact of a federal mandate requiring vaccination or weekly COVID testing. On November 4, the Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Since then, a court order has temporarily Read more…
On Friday, January 7, the Shelton-Mason County and North Mason Chambers of Commerce, EDC of Mason County and City of Shelton hosted a Legislative Sendoff for Senator Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), Representative Dan Griffey (R-Belfair), and Representative Drew MacEwen (R-Union) of the 35th Legislative District. Following introductions, each legislator shared their thoughts on the previous year and what they hope for in the short, 60-day session. All three legislators acknowledged the necessity of addressing the long-term care act. Sheldon self-identified as Read more…
Washington’s plastic waste reduction goals begin January 1, 2022. Washington restaurants will no longer automatically include single-use food service items like utensils, condiments and straws with food orders. A new state law restricts the use of these items and prohibits packaged bundles of single-use items in order to reduce waste and litter – although customers can still request individual items if needed. Single-use food serviceware items covered by the new requirements include:– Utensils (knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks) – Cocktail picks, splash sticks, and Read more…
All members are encouraged to attend the 2022 Legislative Send-Off. We know it’s important to have access to your local officials. The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Council of Mason County proudly present this opportunity to meet with your state legislators before the next legislative session. Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), Rep. Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), and Rep. Drew MacEwen (R-Union) will speak with the group about issues and priorities expected to face Read more…
The Chamber is a champion of education and we are proud to partner with our local schools to help students succeed and ensure a strong, skilled workforce. The business community was invited to a conversation with Shelton School District, to inform the development of the five-year strategic plan. The program offered an opportunity for businesses to provide feedback directly to district staff in a focus group format. Jessee provided an overview of the current demographics and trends as well as Read more…
We’ve been anxiously waiting for the official, full-blown opening of Potlatch Brewing Co. Earlier this summer, the new brewhouse premiered with a pop-up outdoor beer garden on Highway 101 in Hoodsport. Head brewer and owner, Cody Morris, deliberately reestablished his craft beer expertise in a quaint spot overlooking the Hood Canal. This proud moment didn’t happen quickly; the planning and preparations have been more than two years in the making. Finally, Morris has a brewery to boast about, and we Read more…
Mason County is still the most affordable and best value in all South Puget Sound. The housing affordability index sits at 84, calculated using the current median wage of $57,634 per year.